Picture a storyteller who turned the streets of New York into a canvas for drama, romance, and intrigue—meet Carl Weber! A New York Times bestselling author, publisher, and screenwriter, Weber has redefined African American urban fiction with his page-turning novels and entrepreneurial flair. From founding Urban Books LLC to producing hit BET series, his journey is a masterclass in storytelling and hustle.
The Making of Carl Weber
Born in 1964 in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Carl Weber grew up with a love for stories that sparked his imagination. His path wasn’t always literary—he earned a B.S. in accounting from Virginia State University and an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia. While teaching business at Rikers Island, Weber assigned his students a project to design a bookstore, igniting his own dream. This led to the African American Bookstore, a mail-order venture that evolved into the Urban Knowledge chain, cementing his passion for books and community.
Carl Weber’s Unforgettable Stories
Weber’s novels are a vibrant blend of urban romance, family drama, and street-smart wit, capturing the complexities of African American life. His debut, Lookin’ for Luv (2000), follows four friends navigating love in New York, setting the tone for his relatable, drama-filled style. The Family Business series, starting with its 2012 namesake, is a fan favorite, chronicling the Duncan family’s dual life as car dealers by day and drug lords by night. Co-authored with writers like Eric Pete and Treasure Hernandez, it’s a saga of loyalty, secrets, and power. The Preacher’s Son (2004) dives into faith and temptation, while So You Call Yourself a Man (2005), a Library Journal bestseller, explores redemption. Weber’s knack for flawed, vivid characters and twisty plots keeps readers hooked.
His storytelling extends beyond books. Weber’s novels have leaped to the screen, with adaptations like The Man in 3B (2015), The Choir Director (2018), and Influence (2020). He created and produced The Family Business (2018–2022) and The Black Hamptons (2022), both BET hits, showcasing his screenwriting prowess and commitment to bringing African American stories to broader audiences.
Why Carl Weber Matters
Weber’s impact on African American literature is monumental. Through Urban Books LLC, he’s published over 3,800 titles, nurturing new voices in urban fiction and amplifying diverse narratives. His entrepreneurial spirit—once running bookstores like Black Facts and Horizon Books—has made literature accessible to communities often overlooked. Weber’s stories, rooted in real-life relationships and struggles, resonate deeply, offering both escapism and reflection. His move into film and TV has further elevated African American storytelling, proving that urban fiction can thrive across mediums. In 2005, he was named Blackboard’s Publisher of the Year, a testament to his influence.
- Born: February 20, 1964, Jamaica, Queens, New York
- Key Works: Lookin’ for Luv, The Family Business, The Preacher’s Son, So You Call Yourself a Man
- Awards: Blackboard’s Publisher of the Year (2005), Blackboard’s Bookseller of the Year
- Notable Adaptations: The Family Business (BET series), The Black Hamptons (BET series)
Ready to dive into Carl Weber’s world? Grab The Family Business and get lost in his thrilling blend of drama and heart!